The Anatomy of Your Teeth

A tooth is a hard, calcified structure that’s part of the mouth and is used for biting and chewing food. The anatomy of a tooth can be classified into three main parts: the crown, the neck, and the root.

Crown

The crown is the visible, exposed part of the tooth that is covered in enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and protects the tooth from wear and tear caused by biting and chewing. The crown is further divided into the anatomical crown, part of the tooth covered by enamel, and the clinical crown, which is part of the tooth visible above the gum margin.

Neck

The neck is the part of the tooth that connects the crown to the root. It is covered by the gum tissue, also known as the cervical line.

Root

The root is part of the tooth embedded in the jawbone and covered by a layer of cementum. The root comprises one or more root canals containing pulp, nerves, and blood vessels that nourish the tooth. The number of roots a tooth has depends on the type of tooth. For example, molars have multiple roots, while incisors only have one.

In addition to these three main parts, a tooth also has different layers:

Enamel

The outermost layer of the crown, the enamel, is a hard, mineralized substance that protects the tooth from damage.

Dentin

The layer of tissue beneath the enamel, dentin, is softer than enamel but still quite hard. It forms the bulk of the tooth and gives it its shape.

Pulp

The soft tissue is in the center of the tooth; the pulp comprises blood vessels and nerves that provide nourishment to the tooth. When a tooth is damaged or infected, the pulp can become inflamed, leading to pain and sensitivity.

Cementum

The layer of tissue that covers the root of the tooth. Cementum helps to anchor the tooth in the jawbone.

Periodontal Ligament

The ligament that connects the tooth to the jawbone, the periodontal ligament, helps to cushion the tooth from the shock of biting and chewing.

Overall, the anatomy of a tooth is complex, and each part plays an important role in the tooth's function and health. If you’re looking for a good dental clinic with skilled dental professionals, look no further than Meadows Family Dentistry.